by Sinead Slattery

As someone who has coached entrepreneurs and experienced the rollercoaster of creating a business firsthand, I understand the mix of exhilaration and exhaustion that comes with it. It's about the excitement of bringing an idea to life and the weight of carrying it alone until others see the vision.

Starting with just an idea, the process unfolds: building, rebuilding, questioning everything. The journey is filled with highs like landing that first customer, witnessing your product solve real problems, and turning countless "no's" into a resounding "yes." Yet, there are also lows, from cash flow worries to team changes, and moments of self-doubt.

Challenges may seem insurmountable, but they are opportunities for growth. Mindset is key. In my coaching, I urge founders to reflect not just on strategies but on self-awareness. Where are you avoiding discomfort that could spur growth? What assumptions need challenging? Is your current path aligned with your vision of success?

Entrepreneurship demands more than just perseverance; it requires clarity, adaptability, and emotional strength. By being brutally honest with yourself, you strengthen your foundation. If you're in the midst of building something, keep pushing forward. Remember to also nurture the person behind the business—you.

Reflecting on one question can transform your leadership approach. What's a question that reshaped how you lead?

by Sinead Slattery

As AI continues to reshape how we work — and as we move closer to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) — leaders are being asked to navigate complexity, risk, and uncertainty like never before. The pace of change is relentless, and the challenges are increasingly nuanced.
In moments of pressure, it’s easy to default to “What now?” — a question that often comes from overwhelm or urgency.

But great leaders reframe. They ask: “What if?”
This shift from reaction to possibility unlocks powerful outcomes:

New perspectives on entrenched problems
Opportunities hidden inside disruption
A learn-it-all mindset that fuels adaptability and growth

Curiosity isn’t just a trait — it’s a strategic advantage. In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and automation, curiosity keeps us human. It helps leaders stay open, grounded, and agile — especially when the stakes are high. It keeps a focus on self-awareness and our own reactions.
And it thrives in community. Your personal tone will set your organizational tone. When you foster curiosity in yourself and your team, you build resilience and accelerate transformation.

Reflection Prompts for Curious Leaders:

Where are you defaulting to “What now?” How could you reframe it as “What if…?”
How is your team using curiosity to navigate change or solve problems?
What small experiment could you try this month to stretch your thinking?
Leadership is an evolution. Make curiosity part of your identity and your personal brand — it will shape how you lead through uncertainty and define your next level.

Building a business from scratch is a journey like no other.

Leading Through Complexity: Why Curiosity Is Your Superpower